25 cool things to do in Pool, Cornwall
The village of Pool, in between Camborne and Redruth, used to be one of the richest areas in the world, thanks to the mining industry. It’s fallen on hard times now but will rise again. Luckily there’s plenty to do.
3. Walk the Great Flat Lode Trail
A wonderful 7.5 mile walk that essentially encircles Carn Brea, it takes in many engine houses and, at South Wheal Frances Mine (above), a fantastic complex of buildings. The name Great Flat Lode comes from where (in lodes) and what angle (30 degrees, that’s actually pretty flat) tin was found, after many of the copper mines were closing in the 1860s.
4. Visit Pool Market
A traditional Cornish cultural experience this. Not quite on the same level as Trago Mills but worth a visit.
5. Wear your dressing gown and slippers whilst shopping in B&M
The Guardian recently had an article on how the ‘Dryrobe’ (traditionally a beach accessory for swimmers that is half-towel and half-jacket) has become a high street fashion statement. That’s nothing, Pool women have been wearing their dressing gowns and slippers in the aisles of B&M for years.
6. Go to an event at Heartlands
They have plays, markets, car boot sales, talks, antiques markets and Geek Fest.
7. Have a coffee in Pool’s posh garden centre
Hard to believe but Trevenson Moor Limited is posh and they have a coffee machine. What can I say? I turned fifty and found myself in garden centres at the weekend.
8. Spend some time in the industrial estate
I’m not even joking. There’s hairdressers, roller skating (Rollers Roller Rink), bowling, furniture shops, a charity shop, junk shops, a slate company, an aquarium, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, bike shop, pet shop and lots more besides.
9. Go line dancing at The Heathcoat Social Club
Hard to believe the Wild West is alive and kicking on the other side of Tescos. The club also does salsa dancing and has a psychic medium.
10. Check out the gypsy camp in Boscarn Parc, Tregojorran
One of three official sites in Cornwall for gypsies and travellers.
11. Do a course at Cornwall College.
The famous Camborne School of Mines was once based in Pool.
12. Visit the Pool Innovation Centre.
Wait long enough and they might do something innovative.
13. See the birthplace of Richard Trevithick
Inventor of the first high-pressure steam engine and the first operational steam locomotive.